Rising frequency of ozone-favorable synoptic weather patterns contributes to 2015-2022 ozone increase in Guangzhou.

Objective weather classification methods have been extensively applied to identify dominant ozone-favorable synoptic weather patterns (SWPs), however, the consistency of different classification methods is rarely examined. In this study, we apply two widely-used objective methods, the self-organizing map (SOM) and K-means clustering analysis, to derive ozone-favorable SWPs at four Chinese megacities in 2015-2022. We find that the two algorithms are largely consistent in recognizing dominant ozone-favorable SWPs for four Chinese megacities. In the case of classifying six SWPs, the derived circulation fields are highly similar with a spatial correlation of 0.99 between the two methods, and the difference in the mean frequency of each SWP is less than 7%. The six dominant ozone-favorable SWPs in Guangzhou are all characterized by anomaly higher radiation and temperature, lower cloud cover, relative humidity, and wind speed, and stronger subsidence compared to climatology mean. We find that during 2015-2022, the occurrence of ozone-favorable SWPs days increases significantly at a rate of 3.2 day/year, faster than the increases in the ozone exceedance days (3.0 day/year). The interannual variability between the occurrence of ozone-favorable SWPs and ozone exceedance days are generally consistent with a temporal correlation coefficient of 0.6. In particular, the significant increase in ozone-favorable SWPs in 2022, especially the Subtropical High type which typically occurs in September, is consistent with a long-lasting ozone pollution episode in Guangzhou during September 2022. Our results thus reveal that enhanced frequency of ozone-favorable SWPs plays an important role in the observed 2015-2022 ozone increase in Guangzhou.

Diet and multiple sclerosis - development and mixed methods feasibility testing of a comprehensive nutritional information resource (NUTRIMS).

PURPOSE: Persons with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) are often confused by contradictory dietary advice. The purpose of this research was to explore the information needs and design a comprehensive, evidence-based nutritional information resource on diet and MS (NUTRIMS). METHODS: A mixed-methods design with three sequential phases was adopted: (1) Needs assessment and development: Two focus groups with pwMS to explore experiences, information needs and preferred support around diet. Development of a draft NUTRIMS, (2) Feasibility Step 1: Feedback on the draft NUTRIMS from stakeholders and (3) Feasibility Step 2: Online survey among pwMS to explore content quality and acceptability. RESULTS: Two focus groups with a total of 12 pwMS showed that MS-specific evidence on food groups/ingredients, nutrients and special diets were of most interest. The draft NUTRIMS was refined through feedback from 13 stakeholders. The pre-final NUTRIMS consisted of 81 pages including scientific references on each topic, 16 illustrations and a glossary of terms. 85 pwMS participated in the online survey and reported an intensive use and high satisfaction with the information resource, which was perceived as comprehensible, highly credible and useful for making decisions on dietary change. CONCLUSIONS: A collaborative research approach led to a well-accepted nutrition information resource.

A collaborative approach with persons with multiple sclerosis and stakeholders is warranted when designing nutritional information resources to meet the information needs and increase acceptanceProviding a comprehensive overview of the multiple sclerosis specific evidence and proven benefits of healthy dietary patterns on body weight and comorbidities, that might subsequently impact on multiple sclerosis progression, is well accepted by the target audienceEvidence-based information on diet and multiple sclerosis is a prerequisite for informed decisions; however most persons with multiple sclerosis will need individual dietary advice or at least online behaviour change programs to translate knowledge into desired behaviour changeDietary advice and/or online programs should be evaluated to determine whether they are suitable for improving dietary intake and reducing the risk of malnutrition from following non-evidence based special MS diets.

Methodological Approaches to Structural Change: Epidemiology and the Case for Reparations.

Scholars, activists, and policymakers have long called for reparations - a process of repair and restitution for harm and injustices done - to descendants of enslaved Africans in the U.S. as a structural intervention to address historic and ongoing injustices. However, there has been very limited epidemiologic work examining reparations. We explore some of the epidemiologic benefits and challenges of using causal inference frameworks to model reparations as an example of a large-scale, structural intervention that pushes the limits of what is considered "well-defined" and may violate key identification assumptions. Finally, we weigh these methodological limitations with the utility of assessing public health implications of reparations policies and conclude by discussing implications for future epidemiologic research.

Visual and material representations of ageing, space and rhythms in everyday life.

A focus on the materiality within ageing studies brings into focus the material dimensions of space, rhythms and material objects in everyday life. The aim of this paper is to explore meanings around space in the context of the daily lives of people growing older and how materiality is embodied, embedded and performed in the material and social context of our everyday lives. The paper draws on data from the empirical research study Photographing Everyday Life: Ageing, Lived Experiences, Time and Space funded by the ESRC, UK. The focus of the project was to explore the significance of the ordinary and day-to-day and focus on the everyday meanings, lived experiences, practical activities, and social contexts in which people in mid-to-later life live their daily lives. The research involved a diverse sample of 62 women and men aged 50 years and over who took photographs of their different daily routines to create a weekly visual diary. The data reveals three interconnecting whilst analytically distinct themes within the materiality of ageing and the spaces around everyday life: (1) Space, materiality and everyday life; (2) Rhythms, routines and materiality; and (3) Social and material connectivity. The paper concludes by highlighting a complex engagement with space, in which participants drew and re-drew boundaries surrounding meanings of space, sometimes within the same interview or even within a discussion of the same photograph. Moreover, a focus on materiality has elicited rich and illuminating accounts of how people in mid-to-later life experience the intersections between ageing, bodies, time and space in their everyday lives.

Vesicle delivery systems of functional substances for precision nutrition.

Vesicular delivery systems are highly ordered assemblies consisting of one or more concentric bilayers formed by the self-assembly of amphiphilic building blocks in the presence of water. In the field of functional food, vesicular delivery systems have been widely explored for effective formulations to deliver functional substances. With the effort of scientific research, certain categories of vesicular delivery systems have successfully been translated from the laboratory to the global market of functional food. This chapter aims to present comprehensively the various vesicular delivery systems, including their design, preparation methods, encapsulation of functional substances, and application in nutritional interventions.

Evaluation of the repeatability of kinesiological measurements of spontaneous infant movements using OSESEC computer analysis algorithms.

Purpose: There is a need to create objective and reproducible tool for assessing the quality of infant movements. It's substantially important to detect movement disorders in infants as early as possible. The study aimed to evaluate the reproducibility of kinesiological measurements of spontaneous movements performed by 51 infants (aged 6 to 15 weeks) recorded three times for two consecutive days using OSESEC computer analysis algorithms by determining numerical values of parameters, i.e., speed, acceleration, direction, and movement trajectory. Methods: The study group consisted of 51 infants. The diagnostic method of Prechtl was used for qualitative assessment. The quantitative assessment was based on the use of a OSESEC system. Numerical values for all movement parameters were determined, and the data obtained in the study were used for statistical analysis. Results: Analysis including movement parameter values on three consecutive recordings for the same infant revealed no statistically significant differences in location ( p = 0.073), range ( p = 0.557), shape ( p = 0.289), mean acceleration ( p = 0.124) and mean speed ( p = 0.767). This confirms the reproducibility of measurements of the proposed parameters of the objectification of spontaneous infant movements. Conclusions: The interpretability and accuracy of the presented parameters were proved. All parameters estimation is fully automated. Further research and testing requires a larger study group to create an objective diagnostic device for infants.

An Overview of the Analytical Methods for Products based on Clindamycin and Eco-efficiency Perspectives.

BACKGROUND: Clindamycin (CLIN), an antibiotic sold in the form of capsules, injectable solution, gel, and lotion, is easily soluble in water and ethanol. However, it lacks eco-efficient methods for evaluating pharmaceutical products. OBJECTIVE AND METHOD: The objective of this review is to provide an overview of the analytical methods present both in the literature and in official compendia for evaluating pharmaceutical matrices based on CLIN in the context of Green Analytical Chemistry (GAC). RESULTS: Firstly, microbiological methods for evaluating the potency of CLIN final products were not found, which already shows the need to develop new methods. Among the methods found, which are all physicalchemical, the most used method is HPLC (71%) followed by UV-Vis (14%). Among the targets of the methods, capsules and raw materials were the most studied (33% each). Among the choices of analytical conditions for the methods, acetonitrile is the preferred solvent (27.7%), even though CLIN is easily soluble in ethanol. CONCLUSION: Thus, the gap in eco-friendly and sustainable analytical methods is a reality and an opportunity for analytical development centers to provide means for evaluating the quality of CLIN-based products.

Active deprescribing attitudes and practices in a large regional tertiary health service: a mixed methods study.

In this pilot study, we explored current attitudes and deprescribing practices of clinicians in a large regional health service through a mixed methods approach. Respondents included doctors, pharmacists and nurse practitioners, who outlined three themes including professional and organisational contexts, disconnect between goals and practices and factors influencing deprescribing.

Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction Polypill Implementation Strategy in India: A Convergent Parallel Mixed Methods Study.

Introduction: A polypill-based implementation strategy has been proposed to increase rates of guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. This has the potential to improve mortality and morbidity in India and undertreated populations globally. Methods: We conducted a convergent parallel mixed methods study integrating quantitative data from stakeholder surveys using modified implementation science outcome measures and qualitative data from key informant in-depth interviews. Our objective was to explore physician, nurse, pharmacist, and patient perspectives on a HFrEF polypill implementation strategy in India from January 2021 to April 2021. Quantitative and qualitative data were integrated to develop an Implementation Research Logic Model. Results: Among 69 respondents to the stakeholder survey, there was moderate acceptability (mean [SD] 3.8 [1.0]), appropriateness (3.6 [1.0]), and feasibility (3.7 [1.0]) of HFrEF polypill implementation strategy. Participants in the key-informant in-depth interviews (n = 20) highlighted numerous relative advantages of the HFrEF polypill innovation including potential to simplify medication regimens and improve patient adherence. Key relative disadvantages elucidated, include concerns about side effects and interruption of multiple GDMT medications due to polypill discontinuation for side effects or hospitalizations. Based on this data, the proposed implementation strategies in the Implementation Research Logic Model include 1) HFrEF polypills, 2) HFrEF polypill initiation, titration, and maintenance protocols, and 3) HFrEF polypill laboratory monitoring protocols for safety which we postulate will lead to desired clinical and implementation outcomes through multiple mechanisms including increased medication adherence to a single pill. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that a HFrEF polypill-based implementation strategy is considered acceptable, feasible, and appropriate among healthcare providers in India. We identified contextually relevant determinants, strategies, mechanism, and outcomes outlined in an Implementation Research Logic Model to inform future research to improve heart failure care in South Asia.

A framework for remotely enabled co-design with young people: its development and application with neurodiverse children and their caregivers.

Introduction: This paper describes an innovative Framework for Remotely Enabled Co-Design with Young people (FREDY), which details an adaptable four-stage process for generating design concepts with children and other key stakeholders in a naturalistic and inclusive way. Methods: Recommendations from existing patient engagement and design methodologies were combined to provide research teams with procedures to capture and analyse end-user requirements rapidly. Resulting insights were applied through iterative design cycles to achieve accelerated and user-driven innovation. Results: Applying this framework with neurodiverse children within the context of healthcare, shows how creative design methods can give rise to new opportunities for co-creating across diverse geographies, abilities, and backgrounds as well as strengthen co-designer approval of the co-design process and resulting product. Discussion: We summarise key learnings and principles for fostering trust and sustaining participation with remote activities, and facilitating stakeholder design input through continuous collaboration, as well as highlight the potential benefits and challenges of utilising FREDY with neurotypical populations.

Molecular detection and identification of Enteromonas species in human and animal hosts using polymerase chain reaction and DNA sequencing.

Enteromonas hominis, a human intestinal protozoan parasite of the diplomonad group, has been overlooked because of its commensal features; therefore, molecular studies on this parasite are limited. To address this gap, we designed a molecular screening protocol using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing targeting the 18S small subunit ribosomal RNA gene and applied this screening method to the molecular epidemiological analysis of Enteromonas spp. in humans and various livestock. We validated our methodology using stool samples collected from 215 humans and 270 animal hosts (buffaloes, pigs, dogs, goats, horses, rodents, chickens, and ducks) during an annual epidemiological investigation conducted from 2013 to 2016 on Sumba Island, Indonesia. The overall prevalences of Enteromonas spp. were 33.9 % (n = 73/215) in humans and 25.2 % (n = 68/270) in mammals and avians. The positive predictive value of this PCR method for Enteromonas spp., as evaluated through sequencing, was 90.1 % in human samples and 58.1 % in non-human samples (particularly low, 11.4 % in rodents). Although the specificity of the PCR approach may not be perfect, in combination with DNA sequencing, it was effective in detecting and identifying a partial sequence (1458 bp) of the target gene region in Enteromonas species.

Recent advancements in polymeric heart valves: From basic research to clinical trials.

Valvular heart diseases (VHDs) have become one of the most prevalent heart diseases worldwide, and prosthetic valve replacement is one of the effective treatments. With the fast development of minimal invasive technology, transcatheter valves replacement has been exploring in recent years, such as transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) technology. In addition, basic research on prosthetic valves has begun to shift from traditional mechanical valves and biological valves to the development of polymeric heart valves. The polymeric heart valves (PHVs) have shown a bright future due to their advantages of longer durability, better biocompatibility and reduced cost. This review gives a brief history of the development of polymeric heart valves, provides a summary of the types of polymer materials suitable for heart leaflets and the emerging processing/preparation methods for polymeric heart valves in the basic research. Besides, we facilitate a deeper understanding of polymeric heart valve products that are currently in preclinical/clinical studies, also summary the limitations of the present researches as well as the future development trends. Hence, this review will provide a holistic understanding for researchers working in the field of prosthetic valves, and will offer ideas for the design and research of valves with better durability and biocompatibility.

Mobilizing knowledge about urban change for equity and sustainability: developing 'Change Stories', a multi-country transdisciplinary study.

Background: Health-focused research funders increasingly support multi-country research partnerships that study health, urban development and equity in global settings. To develop new knowledge that benefits society, these grants require researchers to integrate diverse knowledges and data, and to manage research-related aspects of coloniality, such as power imbalances and epistemic injustices. We conducted research to develop a transdisciplinary study proposal with partners in multiple middle and high income countries, aiming to embed equity into the methodology and funding model. Methods: Parallel to literature review, we used participatory and social research methods to identify case study cities for our primary study and to inform our study design. We conducted semi-structured interviews with informed and consented sustainable urban development experts in the USA (n=23). We co-developed our research approach with our global advisory group (n=14) and conducted a participatory workshop (n=30) to identify case study sites, also informed by conversations with international academic experts in sustainable development (n=27). Results: Through literature review we found that there is a need to study the contextual pre-conditions of urban transformation, the influence of coloniality on understandings of how cities can change and the failure of standard development practices to meet the needs of all residents and the planet. Through expert input and literature we found that decolonial and storytelling methods may help us show the complexities behind stories of urban transformation, particularly the role of marginalized populations in creating long-term change. Conclusions: There are multiple benefits of conducting research to develop an equitably designed multi-country research collaboration. We built new partnerships and co-developed our research approach, creating new understanding of diverse collaborators' disciplinary perspectives and institutional requirements. By investigating the informational needs of U.S. sustainable development actors and designing our study to meet these needs, we have increased the likelihood that our research will create impact.

Project title: Mobilizing knowledge about urban change for equity and sustainability: developing 'Change Stories', a multi-country transdisciplinary study. Our team initially included researchers in London and later expanded to include international collaborators with expertise in urban development, public health and anthropology. This project was primarily conducted through online workshops and interviews (May ­ Dec 2022), with one in-person workshop in Valencia, Spain (Oct 2022). Research funders have recently increased support for multi-country partnerships that study urban health equity. However, there is often a lack of funding to develop these studies in a way that supports integration of diverse fields and manages research-related aspects of coloniality, such as power imbalances and devaluing certain forms of knowledge. We conducted research to develop a transdisciplinary study proposal with partners in multiple countries, aiming to embed equity into our approach. We used literature review alongside social research methods (94 participants) to develop case study cities and our study design. We found that community involvement in urban governance is important for achieving equity and health, yet it remains under-valued in status quo development models, undermining the potential for cities to support people and the planet. We believe that our approach offers valuable learning for other multi-country transdisciplinary studies.

How do children with language disorder perceive their peer interactions? A qualitative investigation.

Background and aims: Peer interaction difficulties are often elevated amongst children with language disorders, yet the mechanisms underlying these difficulties are unclear. Previous research indicates that poor conflict management, social withdrawal, emotion regulation difficulties, and reduced prosocial behavior may contribute to peer interaction difficulties. However, this research often uses adult perspectives, failing to acknowledge child perceptions of these experiences. The present study aimed to qualitatively investigate perceptions of peer interactions from the perspective of children with language disorders. Methods: Seven participants aged between 7- and 10-years-old took part. All participants were diagnosed with a language disorder and had language as their primary area of difficulty. Participants were recruited from a specialist language school and via an online database. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, with participants given the choice to answer questions verbally or creatively, using toys or drawing materials. Interview transcripts were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Results: Participants valued play, conversation, and helping others. They felt that spending time with peers could alleviate loneliness. However, sometimes solitude was needed as social interaction could be overwhelming. Participants found conflict challenging and exhibited difficulties with regulating emotions. Participants relied on running away, retaliation, or asking an adult for help, to resolve conflict. Conclusions and implications: The findings suggest that children with language disorders are socially motivated and have relative strengths in displaying prosocial behavior. However, children with language disorders require support to promote positive relationships. This support includes help with making deeper connections with peers, opportunities to spend time alone when needed, and providing adept conflict resolution and emotion regulation strategies.

VIRTUAL SURGICAL PLANNING IN ORTHOGNATHIC SURGERY: A PROSPECTIVE EVALUATION OF POSTOPERATIVE ACCURACY.

OBJECTIVES: The development of 3D computer-assisted technologies over the past years has led to vast improvements in orthognathic surgery. The aim of the present study was to evaluate differences in maxillary position between 3D virtual surgical planning (VSP) and surgical results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We assessed data from 25 patients who underwent bimaxillary non-segmented orthognathic surgery with 3D VSP. Each patient underwent a postoperative CT scan within 40 days after surgery. We compared the STL (Standard Triangulation Language) file from the VSP with that obtained from the postoperative CT. RESULTS: According to our comparative analysis, the postoperative and VSP 3D models did not statistically differ. The Lin concordance correlation coefficient was always > 0.95 for each landmark, but in 21 patients (84% of the sample) we identified at least one point with a difference of more than 1.5 mm between the postoperative and VSP 3D model on at least one axis. The most frequently observed differences corresponded to sagittal translation and pitch rotation. CONCLUSIONS: An intraoperative clinical and aesthetic evaluation of the consequences of bone movements on patient face is strongly recommended, also when we use VSP because we may have clinically significant differences from the planning.

[Research Progress in Examination Methods,Influencing Factors, and Drug Treatment of Vigilance].

Vigilance is a sensitive ability to respond to small changes in the environment and it is a major component of various cognitive performance tasks.Professionals in a variety of fields require high physical and vigilance performance during the working process to ensure productivity,workplace safety,and their own safety. This article reviews the research progress in vigilance in terms of the examination methods,influencing factors,and drug treatment in recent years,aiming to improve the understanding of vigilance and provide support for the research on vigilance and clinical treatment of vigilance-related dysfunctions.

Assessment of portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) for plant-available nutrient prediction in biochar-amended soils.

Portable X-ray Fluorescence probe (pXRF) is a tool used to measure many elements quickly and efficiently in soil with minimal sample preparation. Although this sensing technique has been widely used to determine total elemental concentrations, it has not been calibrated for plant-available nutrient predictions. We evaluated the potential of using pXRF for fast plant-available nutrient quantification. Two experiments were conducted in soils treated with two types of biochars to obtain a practical range of soil pH (5.5 - 8.0) and organic carbon (2.0 - 5.5%). Biochars applied were derived from switchgrass (SGB) and poultry litter (PLB). The first experiment received biochars at application rates up to 8% (w/w) and had no plants. The second experiment had up to 4% of SGB or PLB planted with ryegrass (Lolium perenne). Linear regression (LR), polynomial regression (PolR), power regression (PowR), and stepwise multiple linear regression (SMLR) were the models tested. Regardless of the extraction method, phosphorus (P) showed a strong relationship between pXRF and several laboratory extraction methods; however, K prediction via pXRF was sensitive to the plant factor. The optimum soil available-P corresponding to the maximum P uptake in plant tissues can be assessed with pXRF. The LR was inconsistent for calcium (Ca), sulfur (S), and copper (Cu) and non-significant for magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn). Our results showed that pXRF is applicable to estimate P availability in soils receiving organic amendments. More evaluations are needed with diverse soil types to confirm the findings before using pXRF for fertilizer recommendation.

Formaldehyde contamination in seafood industry: an update on detection methods and legislations.

Seafood is abundant in high-quality protein, healthy fats (n-3 and n-6 PUFAs), minerals (calcium, magnesium, copper, selenium, and so on), and vitamin D. Functional compounds in seafood can protect against lifestyle-related diseases. Having had all the merits mentioned, it is also a highly putrefiable food item. To maintain quality and prolong seafood's shelf life, various chemicals have been added, including nitrite, sulfur dioxide, and formaldehyde. In this review, we summarize the uses, the incidence of added formalin contamination, and the approved limit for seafood products. Additionally, worldwide regulations or standards for the use of formalin in seafood products, as well as recent changes relevant to new methods, are highlighted. Although strict limits and regulations have been placed on the utilization of formaldehyde for seafood preservation, there are few incidences reported of formalin/formaldehyde detection in seafood products around Asian countries. In this context, various qualitative and quantitative detection methods for formaldehyde have been developed to ensure the presence of formaldehyde within acceptable limits. Besides this, different rules and regulations have been forced by each country to control formaldehyde incidence. Although it is not an issue of formaldehyde incidence in European countries, strict regulations are implemented and followed.

A comprehensive review of current approaches on food waste reduction strategies.

Food waste is a serious worldwide issue that has an impact on the environment, society, and economy. This comprehensive review provides a detailed description of methods and approaches for reducing food waste, emphasizing the necessity of comprehensive strategies to tackle its intricate relationship with environmental sustainability, social equity, and economic prosperity. By scrutinizing the extent and impact of food waste, from initial production stages to final disposal, this comprehensive review underlines the urgent need for integrated solutions that include technological advancements, behavioral interventions, regulatory frameworks, and collaborative endeavors. Environmental assessments highlight the significant contribution of food waste to greenhouse gas emissions, land degradation, water scarcity, and energy inefficiency, thereby emphasizing the importance of curtailing its environmental impact. Concurrently, the social and economic consequences of food waste, such as food insecurity, economic losses, and disparities in food access, underscore the imperative for coordinated action across multiple sectors. Food waste can also be effectively reduced by various innovative approaches, such as technological waste reduction solutions, supply chain optimization strategies, consumer behavior-focused initiatives, and waste recovery and recycling techniques. Furthermore, in order to foster an environment that encourages the reduction of food waste and facilitates the transition to a circular economy, legislative changes and regulatory actions are essential. By embracing these multifaceted strategies and approaches, stakeholders can unite to confront the global food waste crisis, thereby fostering resilience, sustainability, and social equity within our food systems.

Polyphenols in health and food processing: antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant insights.

Polyphenols, as subordinate metabolites of plants, have demonstrated significant antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant action in scientific learn. These compounds exert their effects through various mechanisms, containing interference with microbial cell structures, rule of host immune responses, and neutralization of free radicals. This multifaceted activity positions polyphenols as promising candidates for maintaining human health and treating related diseases. Notably, in the context of escalating antibiotic resistance, the antibacterial properties of polyphenols offer innovative avenues for the development of new therapeutic agents. Additionally, their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects hold substantial potential for treating inflammatory diseases and mitigating the aging process. This review aims to summarize the latest findings on the biological activities of polyphenols, highlighting their mechanisms of action and potential applications in health and disease management. Furthermore, optimizing polyphenol extraction methods aligns with the goals of sustainable and green processing, reducing environmental impact while enhancing food safety and extending shelf life. Employing advanced analytical techniques, such as spectroscopy and chromatography, can ensure the accurate evaluation of polyphenol content and efficacy. These efforts collectively contribute to the ongoing improvement of food processing practices and product quality, promoting a healthier and more sustainable future in the food industry.